The Boeing 737 MAX 9, powered by advanced LEAP-1B engines, today successfully completed a two-hour, 42- minute first flight, taking off from Renton Field in Renton, Washington, at 10:53 a.m. local time and landing at 1:34 p.m. at Seattle's Boeing Field. During the mission, the airplane performed tests on flight controls, systems and handling qualities.

The 737 MAX 9 is the second aircraft model to begin certification flight testing. The aircraft will now undergo comprehensive flight testing before customer deliveries begin in 2018. The MAX 8 was certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in March of this year and is on track for entry into service by mid-year.

"We have every expectation that the MAX 9 program will go just as smoothly as the entire LEAP-1B/737 MAX 8 flight test program. The engines performed exceptionally well throughout more than 2,200 flight hours," said Gael Meheust, president and CEO of CFM International.

CFM has been the sole engine supplier for all Boeing 737 aircraft models since 1981. To date, a total of more than 7,400 LEAP-1B engines have been ordered to power the 3,700 MAX aircraft by 86 customers worldwide.